Spring is finally here and Dublin celebrates with a special festival inspired by Ireland’s matron saint and Celtic goddess Brigid/Brigit.
The packed festival programme for Brigit: Dublin City Celebrating Women ensures that there’s plenty to do in Dublin this coming weekend, as the city celebrates the contributions and achievements of women down through the centuries, while also enjoying the long awaited beginning of spring.
The five-day festival, inspired by the Celtic goddess Brigit, features an exciting array of things to see and do, ranging from a lively Imbolc fair at Meeting House Square, to a riot of colour at the GPO, where artists Jill & Gill will be illuminating the iconic facade of one of the city’s most historic buildings with their modern interpretation of ‘Brigit as a Boundless Radical’.
The joyful city-wide celebration also includes an abundance of workshops, tours, exhibitions and talks, alongside lots of great live musical performances, before winding to a close with the Brigit Parade on Bank Holiday Monday. Keep an eye out for the bright, colourful procession featuring members of Macushla Dance Club 50+, AkiDwA, and Brigits by Bike, followed by a stunning aerial display as part of the Brigit Rising Aerial Performance at the GPO.
All in all, it promises to be a great few days in the city, so without further ado, we’ve picked out a few highlights for your consideration below…
St. Brigid’s Day Fair at Richmond Barracks
A bustling Dublin market day awaits visitors to Richmond Barracks this weekend, where a packed itinerary features a multitude of stalls, workshops, and entertainment, all shining a light on the talented efforts of female makers and producers. Market-goers can treat themselves to some of the best in locally sourced food and drink to be enjoyed during the early springtime, with lots of opportunities to check out some great family-friendly workshops, alongside some terrific live entertainment in the company of a series of outstanding musicians and artists.
From 11am, Sat February 3rd and Sunday February 4th. Admission Free and all workshops are also free, with furry friends particularly welcome.
Alternative Dublin Programme
The creative folk behind the Alternative Dublin strand of the festival have woven together a fascinating series of eclectic events that are sure to spark plenty of interest this weekend. Their blend of artful crafting features everything from a Brigit Festival edition of Drink & Draw at the Grand Social, to a Sip and Sculpt session where participants can make their own boob pots from air dried clay.
Participants can also enjoy a storytelling open mic session celebrating Modern Day Brigits, sign up for Walking Tours spotlighting Women in Street Art, and take part in a Pub Quiz on women who shape the world. And just when you think their creativity knows no bounds, you spy a workshop on fashioning your own vulva from felt – they really have thought of everything!
For details of these and other events see @alternativedublin
c
Experience Glasnevin – Women’s Tour
On Bank Holiday Monday a special tour of Glasnevin Cemetery in the company of an expert guide offers participants a chance to explore the lives of some of Ireland’s most influential women, each of whom played their part in the social, cultural, and political life of the country.
Visit the graves and discover the incredible stories of women such as Countess Markievicz, Maud Gonne MacBride, Elizabeth O’Farrell, Jennie Wyse-Power, Hanna Sheehy Skeffington, and other legendary women of Irish history buried in the cemetery, who once occupied pivotal roles in shaping Ireland’s history and culture.
Check out the short bios of some of the women buried in the cemetery here.
2pm Monday February 5th. Tickets here.
x
Throw Down Your Cloak
It’s laughs galore as the Liberties undergoes a fitting reincarnation to become Brigid’s land on the saint’s feast day this Thursday, February 1st. The infamous Wild Geeze fly separately as Mistress of Ceremonies Miss Lavelle hosts a fun-filled evening that sees comedian Breda Larkin bring her coming of age play, The Word of Breda, to the stage. Spoiler Alert: Brigid inspired burlesque is likely to be the order of the day. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
7.30pm, Thurs Feb 1st, The Fumbally, Dublin 8. Tickets €25 available here.
x
Brigit Rising Concert
North of the Liffey an evocative evening of celebration and performance takes place against the stunning backdrop of the Abbey Presbyterian Church this Bank Holiday Monday evening. Featuring music and poetry, the event showcases the voices and talents of gifted female musicians including Rachael Lavelle, Soda Blonde, and Laoighseach Ní Choistealbha in a lively close to five days of festivities.
Mon February 5th, The Abbey Presbyterian Church, Parnell Square North, Dublin 1
Words: Martina Murray
The festival takes place from Thursday February 1st to Monday February 5th. Check out details of the full programme of events for the festival Brigit: Dublin City Celebrating Women here.
Feature Image: Brigid by artists Jill and Gill for Shine On: Brigit at The GPO in Dublin as part of Brigit 2024: Dublin City Celebrating Women
